LODGERS’ TAX: ARTS & CULTURE FUND

  • The fourth year of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture program is an exciting time for creatives in our community. Creative Industries are an economic driver, enhancing Durango for our residents and visitors. The Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture funds have created an opportunity for funding creative projects, events, programs, and experiences supported right here in the Durango community.

  • 2021 Election – Lodgers’ Tax Ballot Initiative

    • In the April 2021 election, Durango voters approved an increase in the Lodgers’ Tax from 2% to 5.25%, an increase of 3.25%. The new revenue stream created by the 3.25% increase devoted 14% to Arts and Cultural Events, Programs and Facilities. Other areas supported by the new revenue stream include Sustainable Tourism Marketing and Transportation and Transit Services.

    Two Years of the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Program

    • Since the program's inception in 2022, there have been in 109 projects partially and fully funded.

    • $1.5 million in arts and culture funding was invested into the Durango community.

    • The City of Durango’s per capita arts and culture spend has increased from $3 to $37.

    • There have been a wide array of projects funded: theatre performances, murals, youth metalworking workshops, creative placemaking projects, facility updates and repairs, afterschool arts classes, museum exhibits and equipment, multimedia storytelling projects, art restoration, and sculptures among others.

  • Please note this is not a comprehensive list of eligible projects, all creative projects are considered.

    • Public art

    • Facility upgrades

    • Capital projects

    • Seed money for feasibility studies

    • Artisan housing projects

    • Financial support for grant writing

    • Murals

    • Performance art

    • Indigenous art

    • Creative placemaking

    • Festivals

    • Art education

    • Artisan food projects

    • Sculptures

    • Creative upcycling

  • 2026 // ROUND TWO

PAST FUNDED LTAC PROJECTS

Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture Fund

Grant Amount: $5,000-$50,000

The goal of this funding is to create new opportunities to support local arts and culture organizations on a larger, more impactful scale through the Lodgers’ Tax: Arts and Culture funding. This grant has Two rounds per year and is for creative projects, programs, events, and experiences The funding is for projects over $5,000 and is a reimbursable grant. This grant is administered by City of Durango in partnership with Durango Creative District.

Note: applicants can receive either the LTAC or Creates! grant, but are not eligible to receive funding from both. 

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